Our guide to free things to do in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, offers you a taste of the best of Edinburgh. Join us as we explore this historic city, its cobbled streets and sprawling parks, its many museums and galleries, and its hills and beaches all free of cost!
EDINBURGH / UNITED KINGDOM
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. At the heart of it stands the magnificent Edinburgh Castle and around this historic behemoth, ancient monuments and ageing tenements blend seamlessly with modern architecture. And around this busy metropolis, are sloping hills and hidden crags redolent with flowers in spring and summer. We live in Edinburgh and we always marvel at the countless things we can do in Edinburgh without spending a penny. Our weekends in Edinburgh are spent exploring the city and discovering new activities that doesn’t cost money.
Edinburgh is a city crisscrossed by walking paths and bike lanes and there are countless opportunities to go on a ramble. The Water of Leith flows languidly through the heart of Edinburgh and into the Firth of Forth and the walkway is a treat for those who seek a slice of nature in the city. If you prefer the urban over the wild, Edinburgh is a city of free museums and galleries where you can learn about the natural and political history of Scotland and see the works of local and foreign artists. There are free events and social meet-ups and all the great things that make cosmopolitan cities so attractive. In August, performers and artists from around the world descend on Edinburgh for the Fringe and there are various events, from theatre and musicals to comedy and poetry readings, throughout the city.
European cities can be expensive but they are packed full of free things to do and Edinburgh is no exception. With the right recommendations, you can enjoy a fantastic tour of Edinburgh that gives you a taste of the city’s best without burning a hole through your pocket. Here are our top free things to do in Edinburgh!
Things to Do in Edinburgh
- Wander the Royal Mile and Canongate
- Visit the Thistle Chapel at st. Giles Cathedral
- Slip into Diagon Alley
- Photograph the Edinburgh Castle
- Marvel at the Magnificent Scott Monument
- Visit the Museums & Galleries
- Go on a car-free Walk in Edinburgh
- Read At Edinburgh’s Libraries
- Climb the Seven Hills of Edinburgh
- See the Sunset (or, Sunrise) from Calton Hill
- Explore the Parks & Gardens of Edinburgh
- Visit Holyrood Park
- Soak in the Greenery at the Royal Botanic Garden
- See the Historic Flodden Wall
- Stroll through Dean Village & Stockbridge
- Stop by the Weekly Markets
- Go Ghost-spotting at Greyfriars Kirkyard
- Relax at Portobello Beach
- See the Cherry Blossoms
- Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
- Watch a Free Street Performance
- Tour the Japanese Gardens at Lauriston Castle
- Visit the Forth Bridges
Wander the Royal Mile and Canongate
No list of free things to do in Edinburgh can skip a visit to the Royal Mile! The Royal Mile is the historic heart of Edinburgh, at the top of which stands the mighty Edinburgh Castle. We always start our walk on Castle Rock which commands gorgeous views of the city of Edinburgh, then walk down the Royal Mile. Stop to admire the historic architecture of St. Giles Cathedral and City Chambers. Pop into Lady Stair’s Close, if you plan to visit the Writers’ Museum. The Royal Mile is lively– and it can get crowded during the tourist season– but there are street musicians and bagpipers playing Scottish tunes and it is great fun to just walk up and down the street, window-shopping and people-watching. We usually take a detour to the Mound to see the New College which houses the School of Divinity and the beautiful Ramsay Gardens, a block of sixteen apartment buildings that stand out for their red ashlar and white harled exteriors and date back to the 1890s. We walk along Canongate, past historic buildings including the Old Canongate Tolbooth and Canongate Kirk, till the gates of Holyrood Palace. The Scottish Parliament is nearby and you can pop in for a guided tour.
VISIT A SECRET GARDEN IN EDINBURGH: Hidden behind the historic buildings of Canongate is Dunbar’s Close, a small, serene garden teeming with flowers in spring and summer. Dunbar’s Close is one of our favourite places in Edinburgh and we often visit the garden to escape the bustle of the city.
Visit the Thistle Chapel at st. Giles Cathedral
The first time we visited the Thistle Chapel, it took my breath away. Located inside St. Giles Cathedral, the Thistle Chapel is one of Edinburgh’s best-kept secrets and it costs no money to enter. The woodcarving is immaculate and like nothing we have ever seen before. The sides of the chapel are lined by knights’ stalls. Ornate details are carved into the dark wood and the chapel is illuminated by the light that spills in through the stained-glass windows. There are flowers and animals sculpted into the ancient beams. On the high ceiling are figures including a pelican which is an old Roman symbol for Christianity, and three angels playing bagpipes. Thistle Chapel is one of the must-visit places to see in Edinburgh but note that the chapel is only open when a staff member is around.
Slip into Diagon Alley
Or, Victoria Street! Said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books, Victoria Street is a cobbled street lined by colourful and quirky shops including the popular Museum of Context that you can visit for free. It is actually a shop that sells Harry Potter memorabilia but you can spend hours browsing through the curated collection. You can often spot Harry Potter-themed tours on this street; tour guides almost always wear robes and the distinctive red and gold Gryffindor scarf! Explore the street, then climb the stairs to Victoria Street Terrace for some street photography. Certainly, one of the best free attractions in Edinburgh.
Photograph the Edinburgh Castle
Entry to Edinburgh Castle might cost a pretty penny but photographing the castle from various vantage points throughout the city does not cost anything! Edinburgh’s historic castle stands guard over this gorgeous city and you can see it from almost everywhere. Walk around Edinburgh and photograph this iconic building from various viewpoints. Our favourite Edinburgh castle viewpoints are Princes St. and Princes St. Gardens, the Vennel Stairs, Grassmarket, Calton Hill, Salisbury Crags, Inverleith Park, and St Cuthbert’s Churchyard.
IS ENTRY TO EDINBURGH CASTLE FREE? No except once a year on November 30. Entry to Edinburgh Castle is free on St. Andrew’s Day every year. St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and his feast day is celebrated on November 30. If you happen to be in town on that day, book a free entry to the castle on their website. Be quick for slots fill up fast!
Marvel at the Magnificent Scott Monument
One of the most distinctive buildings on the Edinburgh skyline is the Scott Monument, the second-largest monument to a writer in the world. The Victorian Gothic-style monument is dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, one of Edinburgh’s most prolific writers. There are 68 statues on the monument, mostly characters from Scott’s novels, with some figures from Scottish history. You can find the complete list here.
Visit the Museums & Galleries
Perhaps the best free thing to do in Edinburgh is to visit Edinburgh’s museums and galleries! Most of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries are free entry and that is one of the many reasons that make this city perfect for those who love history, arts, and culture. We spend hours marvelling at the fantastic collection at The National Museum of Scotland and the National Arts Gallery and often special exhibitions are happening. The Scottish National Gallery and the Scottish Portrait Gallery are some of the most well-known but if you have time, visit the Writer’s Museum and the Museum of Childhood too.
Go on a car-free Walk in Edinburgh
Edinburgh is such a walkable city that it is a no-brainer that one of our favourite things to do in Edinburgh for free is walk. Just walk! There are bike/pedestrian paths that wind throughout the city and though they are right in the middle of a bustling European capital, they seem so far away, hidden in the shades of plants and trees. For us, the best walks in Edinburgh are along the Water of Leith Walkway, a 13-mile path that runs from Leith in the east to Balerno in the west, and the Union Canal towpath that continues onto Ratho and Linlithgow and joins the Clyde River walkway. Then there are two beautiful walkways along the River Almond in Cramond and the River Esk in Musselburgh. Another walk we love is the Queensferry to Cramond walk through the scenic Dalmeny Estate. If you are not too much of a nature person, consider ambling through Leith Walk, Stockbridge, or Morningside with their lovely bakeries, art shops, and boutiques. Maybe roam through New Town and marvel at the stylish Georgian townhouses with their private gardens.
Read At Edinburgh’s Libraries
The city of Edinburgh has some of the best public libraries in the UK. Edinburgh has long been famed as a city for writers and publishers and it has some of the best libraries and bookshops that we have ever visited. It doesn’t cost any money to access the reading rooms at the Central Library and the National Library of Scotland and you can spend hours browsing and reading. The National Library of Scotland houses many rare and historic manuscripts and organises exhibitions from time to time. Note that if you are interested in a specific item, it is best to pre-book it.
MOVING TO EDINBURGH? Consider getting an Edinburgh library card for free so that you can borrow and read the massive collection of books from Edinburgh libraries. All you need is an address proof for an Edinburgh address and an identity proof.
Edinburgh has many bookshops and it is free to browse, isn’t it? A wide variety of genres and thoughtful curations are the hallmarks of Edinburgh bookshops. If books are your best friends, plan a walk that threads together Edinburgh’s best bookstores: Typewronger, Golden Hare, Lighthouse, Tills, Armchair, Topping & Company, Portobello Bookshop, and so many more. There are few joys more superior than browsing a thoughtfully curated collection of reading material.
Climb the Seven Hills of Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a city of hills and climbing the seven hills of Edinburgh is one of the top free things to do in Edinburgh! The seven hills are Castle Rock, Calton Hill, Corstorphine Hill, Craiglockhart Hill, Braid Hill, Blackford Hill, and Arthur’s Seat. From Arthur’s Seat, you can see all the way to North Berwick, a charming seaside town that makes for a superb day trip from Edinburgh. You can do the Seven Hills of Edinburgh Race and Challenge, if you like a bit of adventure! The website describes it as “a combination of road-running, cross-country, hill-running, and urban orienteering… 14.3 miles in length and with 2200 feet of ascent/descent.” Check their website for dates!
See the Sunset (or, Sunrise) from Calton Hill
The Seven Hills race starts and ends at Calton Hill, so whether or not you are participating, you can end your day with a lush sunset! Calton Hill promises lovely views of the city, especially during the golden hour when the old heart of Edinburgh is bathed in shimmery, golden light. The light in Edinburgh is magical and you have to see it to believe it. Just gazing at the city from Calton Hill is one of our favourite things to do in Edinburgh. On top of Calton Top are the National Monument, the City Observatory, and the Nelson Monument. The National Monument was intended to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars and it was inspired by the Parthenon in Athens; however, the building was never completed. Clamber up Calton Hill, find a spot on its grassy slopes and watch the sun paint the city in shades of red and gold.
Explore the Parks & Gardens of Edinburgh
In our opinion, visiting Edinburgh’s many parks and gardens is free and one of the best things to do in Edinburgh! Edinburgh is one of the greenest cities I have visited and there are parks and gardens galore! Some like the Princes St. Gardens are very popular with travellers and therefore almost always full of people but there are other lesser-known parks such as The Starbank Parks in Newhaven and the Leith Links in Leith where you can steal a few quiet moments and read a book or simple people-watch. The Meadows and Bruntsfield Links are located next to each other and are very popular with students and locals; in warmer months, you will find people picnicking here. Inverleith Park is another one of our favourites; it promises excellent views of the Edinburgh skyline. Then there is Dunbar Close, a secret garden hidden in the chaos of the Old Town. New Town is full of private gardens; unfortunately, only a lucky few who live around these parks have access to them.
Special mention to Holyrood Park which is larger than any urban parks I have explored and there’s so much to do that it gets its own list item!
Visit Holyrood Park
There is no denying that visiting Holyrood Park is one of the best free things to do in Edinburgh. There is so much to do in Holyrood Park, including climbing Arthur’s Seat (251 m) for 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians, spending some time at the free exhibition about the park’s history, geology and archaeology at Holyrood Lodge Information Centre, exploring the Iron Age forts and Bronze Age agricultural terraces, visiting the ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel, greeting the geese at Duddingston Loch, and fishing (permit required) at Dunsapie Loch. Phew! You can find out more about the history of the park here.
Also read: A trip to the picturesque town of Culross makes for the pretty day trip from Edinburgh! See Top Things To Do In Culross: Day Trip Itinerary.
Soak in the Greenery at the Royal Botanic Garden
Perhaps our favourite place to be in all of Edinburgh is the Royal Botanic Garden, a beautiful and painstaking collection of local plants and plants collected from around the globe. Every season is unique here: in winter, the trees are bare and silent. On a snowy day, you can watch the snowy spires from between the bare branches and boughs. Then the snowdrops arrive blanketing the garden in dollops of white. And then the crocuses and daffodils. Soon the rhododendrons arrive in all their colours: red and pink, white and mauve, followed by the azaleas. Of course, there are tulips and wildflowers and flowers I cannot name and tall trees, trees that protect and nourish. Spend a few hours here ambling through the pathways, saying hello to the birds and trees, and enjoying the blissful solitude.
The Royal Botanics is one of Edinburgh’s top free attractions. They also run regular exhibitions and most of the exhibitions at Edinburgh’s Royal Botanics are free to visit. However, there is a £5 ticket if you want to visit the glass house. At the time of writing (June, 2022), the glass house is closed due to ongoing renovations and we can’t wait to visit it for we hear that they have a wonderful collection of tropical plants.
See the Historic Flodden Wall
According to Atlas Obscura, “The Flodden Wall was completed in 1560 to protect the city against an English invasion that never came. After Scottish forces were defeated and King James IV was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, Edinburgh officials feared the victorious English troops would soon descend upon the ancient Scottish city. So, as leaders who fear outsiders tend to do, they decided to build a wall to defend their domain.” Fragments of this 16th-century defensive wall that still survive are protected monuments. You can see them at Greyfriars Kirkyard, along the narrow Vennel leading to the Grassmarket, and running down Drummond Street to the Pleasance.
Stroll through Dean Village & Stockbridge
Dean Village is a must-visit spot in Edinburgh! Arriving at Dean Village is like arriving in a pretty Scottish village far from busy Edinburgh but it is right in the city, this charming cocoon of solitude marked by heritage buildings and a bridge spanning the Water of Leith. This is also perhaps one of Edinburgh’s most photographed spots! A short walk away is the neighbourhood of Stockbridge, one of Edinburgh’s most stylish and coveted areas, which is known for its gourmet food shops, bakeries and boutiques, bookstores and wine shops, vintage shops, and restaurants. Stockbridge is also famous for Circus Lane, a narrow lane that has become Insta-famous, thanks to its pretty houses adorned with climbing roses, flower boxes, and wistful wisteria. Nearby is Inverleith Park which offers some of the best views of the city’s skyline.
Stop by the Weekly Markets
Agree that it takes money to shop at the weekly markets but it is free to window shop and people watch, isn’t it? Edinburgh’s weekly markets offer a glimpse of some of the best local produce: from artisan cheese and bread and chutneys and preserves to cured meat and sustainably sourced seafood, from produce straight from farms around Edinburgh to hot food like pies and cakes and Scotch eggs, from small-batch liquors and craft beers to handmade soaps and candles, there’s loads to love at these markets. We go to the markets almost every week and sometimes we buy things and sometimes we don’t but it is always such a joyful experience! If you are interested in vintage clothes, there’s a flea market on the last Saturday of every month that you can pop into!
The Edinburgh farmers market is held every Saturday on Castle Terrace. There are other markets in Leith and Grassmarket (Saturday) and Stockbridge (Sunday). Timings and frequency change with the season, so check their Facebook pages before you visit.
Go Ghost-spotting at Greyfriars Kirkyard
Notorious for being haunted by the MacKenzie Poltergeist, the Greyfriars Kirkyard is said to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland. This haunted Edinburgh graveyard is free to enter and surrounds Greyfriars Kirk (the name comes from grey robes worn by the Franciscan friars of the nearby friary) and was established as a burial area during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots in 1562 after the friary was closed during the reformation of 1558. Many were buried here during the Black Plague of 1568. In 1679, after the Battle of Bothwell Bridge, Sir George MacKenzie of Rosehaugh, Lord Advocate in the court of Charles II, arrested thousands of Covenanters. As prison space ran out, he locked up the surplus 400 Covenanters in Greyfriars Kirkyard and they perished in the Scottish winter.
But among the sordid tales of this graveyard, there is one heartwarming tale, that of a terrier named Bobby. According to legend, Bobby kept a fourteen-year vigil by his master’s grave in the Greyfriars Kirkyard. The Greyfriars Bobby Fountain outside the kirkyard is a granite fountain surmounted by a bronze life-size statue of Greyfriars Bobby.
Relax at Portobello Beach
Another of our favourite free things to do in Edinburgh, especially because we live nearby, is to visit Portobello Beach and walk along the promenade. True that it can get crowded and noisy but nothing beats the charm of Porty on a warm Scottish day! Just sit on the promenade and enjoy the view: Fife on the horizon, then the blue waters of the Firth of Forth, then the brave swimmers and the canoers, and then, nearest to you, families and children and the cutest, fluffiest puppies. It can sometimes be beautiful, really, life. Bring a picnic blanket, some sandwiches, and a drink, and have a leisurely picnic on the beach. If you want to beat the crowds, arrive at daybreak to see the sunrise and walk all the way to the mussel-strewn beaches of Musselburgh for a refreshing start to the day!
EDINBURGH BEACHES: Though Portobello is famed as Edinburgh’s seaside, there is another beach in Edinburgh, the Silverknows Beach. For a quieter beach time, head to Silverknowes Beach instead. There is not much of a beach during high tide but the promenade is long and mostly empty except for a few walkers and cyclists. If you are craving a long walk, consider walking from the Granton waterfront to Cramond via Silverknowes.
See the Cherry Blossoms
Spotting the candy-floss pink cherry blossoms might be one of our top free things to do in Edinburgh! It is a seasonal thing, of course, but if you are visiting in the months of April and May, go see the cherry blossoms painting The Meadows pink! They are one of the most photographed blooms in the city, so visit early if you want to avoid the crowds. Cherry trees bloom throughout the city; some of the other gorgeous sightings of these pretty pink beauties can be had at the Princess Street Gardens and Starbank Park, two of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Edinburgh.
IS SPRING A GOOD TIME TO VISIT EDINBURGH? Yes, especially if you love flowers. There are lots of parks and gardens in Edinburgh and they are free to enter. Don’t miss the snowdrops and bluebells at Dalkeith Country Park, the bright yellow coconut-scented gorse en route on Arthur’s Seat, the purple heather in the Pentland Hills, and the rhododendrons and daffodils at the Royal Botanic Garden. These bloom in different months from February to May, except for the heather that blooms in summer.
Visit Edinburgh’s Christmas Market
Another seasonal delight, the Edinburgh Christmas Market is often voted one of the best Christmas markets in the United Kingdom. It is one of Edinburgh’s top free attractions. Step through the gates and you are transported into a festive world, a world scented with baked goods and mulled wine. Shops are selling glittering Christmas ornaments, beautiful handmade jewellery, fuzzy woollens, and a variety of other crafts. There is coffee and hot chocolate, mulled wine and small-batch gin, bratwursts and mac n’ cheese. There are rides and a Ferris wheel. Because most things on sale are pricey, we never buy anything at the market but it’s so much fun just browsing and soaking in the holiday vibes.
Watch a Free Street Performance
Especially in the summer months, Edinburgh plays host to various events such as the Canal Festival, Open Mics, Street Photography Workshops, and more. Some of these events are free to attend and you can browse for free events on Eventbrite. There are lots of street performers, especially on the Royal Mile, and you can be in the audience for anything from magic shows to bagpipe performances. These street events are free to attend but consider donating. The famous Edinburgh Fringe is held in August and if you are visiting during that time, look for free events on their website.
ARE THERE ANY FREE CONCERTS IN EDINBURGH? Yes! St. Giles, one of Edinburgh’s iconic landmarks, holds concerts throughout the year and some of these concerts at St. Giles are free to enter.
Tour the Japanese Gardens at Lauriston Castle
The Japanese gardens at Lauriston Castle are spectacular! There is a koi pond and a gurgling stream, and come spring, the cherry trees burst into blossoms. Dollops of candy floss white and pink adorn the garden. Sit on a bench and watch the Firth of Forth, listen to the birdsongs, and do a photoshoot around the trees. It is absolutely beautiful! Entry to Lauriston Castle is ticketed but the gardens are free to explore. From Edinburgh city centre, take bus 47.
Visit the Forth Bridges
If you have done all the things in our free things to do in Edinburgh post, why not spend a day exploring South Queensferry, a charming town perfect for a day trip from Edinburgh? A wee bit out of town, in Queensferry, are the majestic Forth Bridges that span the Firth of Forth linking Edinburgh to the Kingdom of Fife. The historic Forth Bridge, the world’s second-longest cantilever bridge, that carries the railway was an engineering marvel– the world’s first major steel structure– when it was opened in 1890. The trio looks spectacular any time of the day but for the best photos, arrive at dawn or dusk or when the haar comes in. You can take Lothian bus 43 to Queensferry or the train to Dalmeny station, then walk to Queensferry.
What are your favourite free things to do in Edinburgh?
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What are your favourite things to do in Edinburgh?
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